Chapter 376
Qin Zeyu was led to meet the emperor, while Qin Jiu went to Fengluan Palace with Xiao Kouzi who was waiting for her at the palace gate.
“Xiao Jiu.” Empress Wei asked smilingly as soon as she saw her niece, “Are there many people over at the South City Gate today, was it hot?”
“It’s very lively!” Qin Jiu nodded right away and told Empress Wei about the scene when Gu Zezhi entered the city, naturally, she didn’t include her throwing the scented sachet but inevitably, her memory flashes back to the scene at that time…
The scene where his thin lips were pressed against the scented sachet.
And almost instantly, her eyes sparkles as her cheek’s flushed like rosy petals and her being looked radiant.
Empress Wei looked at Qin Jiu like a delicate flower, and thought that this girl looked especially beautiful today.
Well, both Gu Zezhi and Qin Zening were back in the capital safely so this little girl was naturally happy.
Empress Wei exchanged a silent glance with Xu momo, feeling happy for Qin Jiu as she pondered that since her niece was already old enough, once Madam Xiao returned from Jiangnan, they could then decide the wedding date.
Qin Jiu who got a strange loving look from Empress Wei with a bit of reluctance, felt that something was amiss.
At this time, a palace maid came in and reported, “Your Majesty, County Princess Duan Rou, and Miss Tang are here.”
Empress Wei nodded as she signaled to bring them in, the palace maid then retreated again.
County Princess Duan Rou? Qin Jiu tried to search hard in her memory for this character.
Knowing her third miss has a problem identifying and has always been unable to remember those nobilities, Du Ruo introduced. “County Princess Duan Rou is the eldest daughter of Wang Yu.”
After hearing Du Ruo did she remember such a character, making her eyes slightly widen.
Soon, the palace maid brought in two fifteen or sixteen-year-old girls. The one who walked in front was wearing a bright red silk dress with butterflies and a flowered embroidered on her skirt and a double hem Mamianqun underneath. While her hair was tied up with thick green silk into a complicated peony bun, which made her look radiant and full of aggressive brilliance.
The girl behind her was wearing a goose-yellow hibiscus wrapped around the branch patterned cloth, with a moonflower skirt. Her pair of willow eyes seem to be filled with full autumn water, making her look gentler and more of a soft temperament which was a stark contrast to the girl in front.
The two young girls formally greeted Empress Wei, “Paying respect to the Imperial Empress.”
“Duan Rou, Miss Tang, there is no need to be polite.” Empress Wei smiled gently and raised her hand.
After thanking them for their politeness, County Princess Duan Rou and Miss Tang straightened up.
Empress Wei introduced both parties, “Xiao Jiu, this is the County Princess, Duan Rou, and her cousin.”
“Duan Rou, this is this empress’ niece.”
Qin Jiu stood up gracefully and greeted, “My surname is Qin, and I am the third Miss of the Qin family.”
Although Empress Wei’s attitude was gentle, Qin Jiu could tell from her aunt’s words the estrangement and knew that she was just showing a respectful distance.
Qin Jiu quickly wink at Empress Wei to show that she understood.
County Princess Duan Rou and Miss Tang also greeted back, and look at Qin Jiu with a smile on their lips.
Miss Tang seemed a little curious about Qin Jiu and asked in a friendly manner. “Little Sister Jiu, you’ve just reached your hairpin, haven’t you? I’m a few months older than you, so I dare to call you little sister.”
“I heard that you were pointed marriage to the County King by the emperor, speaking of County King, we had a special affinity and fated to meet once…”
She said this with nostalgia written on her face and could even be heard in her voice as her pair of autumn water-like eyes creates small ripples.
Du Ruo slightly frowned upon hearing the words and said to herself: What does Miss Tang mean by this?!
While, Empress Wei’s gaze deepened and her eyes darkened even more for a split second as she pursed her lips into a straight line.
County Princess Duan Rou tilted her pretty face as she asked Miss Tang casually. “Cousin, you have met Imperial Uncle?”
“Yes, it was five years ago,” Miss Tang nodded she smiles sweetly, “I just don’t know if he still remembers me…” As she said this, she also hesitantly glances at Qin Jiu as if she has some concerns and did not continue her words.
“He probably doesn’t remember you.” Qin Jiu replied with a smile.
“……” Miss Tang’s eyes slightly widened, and couldn’t help but look at Qin Jiu again.
Qin Jiu looked back at her, as she calmly said. “He is someone who has good memory but he can’t remember those people who don’t matter.”
The gentle smile on Miss Tang’s face immediately froze, while County Princess Duan Rou furrowed her brows and her eyes darkened.
Meanwhile, opposite to earlier, Empress Wei was smiling as she watched Qin Jiu’s calm expression and knew that her niece wasn’t really affected by what Miss Tang had said about Gu Zezhi.
Empress Wei sighs inwardly: Although her niece was still young, she was really kind-hearted, quick-witted, and open-minded which often makes her, the aunt, feel ashamed of herself.
But this Miss Tang…
Empress Wei narrowed her eyes, and the corners of her mouth curved up disapprovingly.
This Miss Tang was Yu Wang Fei’s niece and came to the capital with County Princess Duan Rou, so Empress Wei didn’t pay too much attention to her, but now that she had a good look, it seems that this girl was unruly.
Empress Wei was still faintly smiling as she instructed the servants to give seats to the County Princess and Miss Tang.
County Princess Duan Rou and Miss Tang the express their thanks before sitting down.
Empress Wei then directly ignored the two of them and smilingly chatted with Qin Jiu. “Xiao Jiu, this empress heard from the emperor that your big brother did a great job in Minzhou this time, winning several battles….”
When talking about her nephew’s affair, Empress Wei looked excited and her eyes brightened, knowing in her heart that Gu Zezhi wanted to help her nephew get a promotion using his achievements in Minzhou.
Before her nephew separates from the Marquis, some people still say behind his back that he was foolish and that leaning against a big tree was a good way to enjoy the cool. Her nephew did a great job this time, and could slap these people hard in the face!
Moreover, the emperor could now logically promote his nephew.
Thinking about it, the smile on Empress Wei’s face brightened even more as they continued to chat.
Meanwhile, Qin Jiu listened to her imperial aunt with great interest.
***
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